‘Chums’ asked to come forward in the local area

‘Chums’ is a new programme aimed at addressing loneliness and isolation in the region, made possible by PEACEPLUS funding that has been secured by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The project is part of Newry Mourne and Down Districts Council’s Local Action Plan’s ‘Thriving Together’ initiative, which is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

John Conlon, of Newry Library, and Eamon Quinn of the Chums programme.

placeholder image — John Conlon, of Newry Library, and Eamon Quinn of the Chums programme.

Loneliness can seriously affect a person’s health and wellbeing, but some people have no-one they can turn to for friendship and support.

The organisers are calling for people, who find they are unable to get out and about as much any more, or who have experienced isolation and loneliness, to take part in the programme.

To join up, call 07394 726 889 or email [email protected]

Project organisers, MayWe Events, say they are pleased to announce the programme is working with local libraries and community centres, which will host activity groups.

To get the programme started, groups will meet in Newry Library, Crossmaglen Library, and Hilltown Community Centre.

The programme is also taking place in other council areas.

The Chums Programme will take referrals to participate from all and any sources; from family members, friends, people themselves, and also from GPs, social workers and health centres.

Making the first step to meet new people can be difficult, but Chums groups say they offer a very warm and friendly welcome, with fun activities free of charge, and “a cuppa and sticky bun”.

Participants must register with Chums organisers first, and details of meeting dates and times will be confirmed. Participants must be capable of attending groups independently.

Chums is funded by PEACEPLUS, a cross-border funding programme supported by the European Union; the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; the Government of Ireland; and the Northern Ireland administration.

To receive future PEACEPLUS newsletters, email [email protected] and ask to be placed on the PEACEPLUS database.